Virgin Galactic advances spacecraft testing plans and narrows Q1 losses
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 18 2026
0mins
Source: stocktwits
Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. saw its stock rise by 19.27% as it reached a 20-day high amid positive market conditions.
The company moved its first Delta spacecraft to a Phoenix testing facility, marking a significant step towards planned flight tests in Q3 and an expected commercial launch in Q4 2026. Additionally, Virgin Galactic narrowed its Q1 net loss to $65 million from $84 million year-over-year, while Jefferies maintained a 'Buy' rating with a price target of $5, indicating strong investor confidence.
These developments not only enhance Virgin Galactic's position in the commercial space tourism market but also reflect effective cost control measures that are likely to attract more investors as the company prepares for future growth.
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Analyst Views on SPCE
Wall Street analysts forecast SPCE stock price to fall
4 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
2 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 4.720
Low
2.30
Averages
3.43
High
4.50
Current: 4.720
Low
2.30
Averages
3.43
High
4.50
About SPCE
Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. is an aerospace and space travel company, which offers access to space for private individuals, researchers, and government agencies. The Company’s operations include design and development, manufacturing, ground and flight testing, and post-flight maintenance of its spaceflight system vehicles. The Company has developed a portfolio of proprietary technologies that are embodied in the specialized vehicles that it has created to enable commercial spaceflight. These technologies underpin its carrier aircraft, the mothership; its spaceships; its hybrid rocket motor; and its safety systems. Its Carrier Aircraft-The mothership is a twin-fuselage, custom-built aircraft designed to carry spaceships up to an altitude of approximately 45,000 feet, where the spaceship is released for its flight into space. Its Virgin Galactic spaceships are reusable with the capacity to carry pilots and private astronauts, research experiments and researchers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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